Mark ChristnerHead Men's Basketball Coach/Athletic Administrator

Entering his seventh year at Waynesburg University, Coach Christner continues to lead the men of our basketball program, as well as work with the NCAA, PAC and other athletic personnel on campus to ensure compliance of our 17 varsity sports under the mandate of NCAA Division III athletics. Coach Christner's office is located on the 3rd floor of Marisa Fieldhouse.

How did you end up at Waynesburg University?

I was seeking an opportunity to lead a NCAA Division III head coaching position after working as an assistant at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. I applied, interviewed and accepted the job in April 2010.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

Center court of the Fieldhouse! It symbolizes a new start every day.

What’s your favorite annual event?

What's your most memorable WU moment?

We’ve had a lot of great moments; pretty neat to see 24 guys graduate and move on to contribute to society after their time here. Each year when we have someone go through graduation it is unmistakably the highlight of the year.

What do you consider the most special or unique part of your job?

Being involved in the daily happenings of student-athletes is such a cool thing. We don’t take it for granted, and we take our job seriously. We want our students to be prepared for life after college. It’s pretty neat to be able to use basketball as a vehicle. Seeing men grow within a team framework throughout the year is simply the best.

Since 2012, Dr. Younger has taught American and religious history from her main classroom in Buhl 216. Now overseeing the Humanities department, Dr. Younger can be found in her office in Buhl 212.

How did you end up at Waynesburg University?

GOD’S PROVIDENCE! My husband received a call to a church in Pittsburgh in 2010, which meant I had to leave my job as the Manging Director of the Civil War Era Center at Penn State. I truly believed I would NEVER find, and then be hired for, a tenure–track position in the Pittsburgh area. In fact, I was contemplating returning to church ministry when the position opened up at Waynesburg. The fact that I was hired AND that Waynesburg is a Christian University is a dream come true. Really, it’s been a great life lesson for me: God is faithful.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

Buhl 216. It’s the room I teach all my classes, where I try to inspire students to love to learn, and where I have come to know so many amazing Waynesburg students.

What’s your favorite fun fact about WU?

In 1880 Susan B. Anthony visited Waynesburg College to advocate for women’s suffrage.

Tell us something we may not know about your job at WU.

My round-trip commute is 2 hours.

What makes WU a special place to work?

Everything! I get to be an unapologetic Christian in and out of the classroom. I work with extremely talented faculty. I’m encouraged by a terrific staff. I’ve made great friends. I travel with students around the world. What’s not to love?

Dr. Younger will be appearing in a documentary film, “The Daring Women of Philadelphia,” which will be produced by the Emmy-Award-winning studio History Making Productions. Read more about that here!

Brian CarrDirector of the Center for Student Success and Disability Services

Over his 10 years at Waynesburg University, Brian has taken on numerous responsibilities. Currently, he prepares schedules for all new and returning students, serves as the advising director (which includes advising students exploring or changing majors, as well as international students) and manages WU's Academic Mentoring Program and early alert system, all while serving as the point person for students with documented disabilities, determining appropriate accommodations for those students and coordinating testing accommodations for students requiring them. When he is in his office, Brian can be found "in the depths of the bottom floor of Eberly Library...walk in opposite direction of natural light!"

What's your favorite spot on campus?

I’d have to say the tree-lined sidewalk right outside of Miller Hall (in between Miller Hall and the Chapel). I remember walking that sidewalk right before the start of my interview and felt such peace. It’s such a picturesque sight and its beauty can be enjoyed during all four seasons; from the pristine white branches after a new-fallen snow to the radiant sun streaks that peek through the ample shade in the summer. Do yourself a favor: pause and just take a moment to take in God’s glorious artwork. You just have to watch out for falling acorns in the Fall (or are squirrels throwing them at us?).

What’s your favorite annual event?

You mean besides vacation and Christmas? Many won’t be able to relate to this, but it’s the Department of Communication's Annual NFL Mock Draft in April. Professor Richard Krause gets to play the role of an NFL draft analyst (he may have missed his calling) and all the students who participate act as NFL General Managers for a day!

What’s your most memorable WU moment?

Wow…there have been many, but how awesome it was when recent graduate RJ Tonks, a wheelchair-bound student, walked during the procession at the Commencement ceremonies! From the day we first met, he pronounced that as his goal, and it was such an awe-inspiring moment when it came to fruition.

What makes WU a special place to work?

Here comes the cliché: it’s the relationships with students and colleagues. In serving the Lord, we’re so blessed to work collectively to help shape, educate and positively influence the lives of our students, who are the future of this world. We also have the opportunity to be a light to our colleagues. For instance, it’s been such an honor and privilege to work so closely with the recently retired Chuck Beiter, professor emeritus of English. As a personal mentor, he’s taught me so much. Admired and respected by many for his passion for doing what is best for our students, he exemplifies Waynesburg University’s mission.

What do you consider the most special or unique part of your job?

I think it’s safe to say that there are probably not many — if any — university employees in the country who have the combination of responsibilities of my current role. If there is another out there, I’d love to share stories. In addition, my job is a really integrated position. I work so closely with students and a multitude of offices and departments on campus. Serving as a student advocate, I’m also responsible for representing faculty and administration, preserving academic integrity and upholding University policies. Though it comes with its share of challenges, the “many hats” I wear allow me to work not only with many students but also many of the fine people working at WU.

For more information on the Center for Student Success and Disability Services at Waynesburg University, click here!

Attention soon-to-be graduates: Congratulations! The day you have been anticipating is right around the corner.

You have put a colossal number of hours into earning your degree, and your hard work will soon be rewarded. But before you can update your education status on Facebook and LinkedIn, here are a few (simple) tasks you need to complete that will help make the next few months go a little more smoothly:

1. Confirm with the Registrar’s Office that all your transcripts and payments are in order.

If you are graduating in May, you have already completed your Degree Audit and application for graduation. With that important step out of the way, contact the Office of the Registrar to ensure that all of your paperwork and payments are updated and complete. Those who work in the office are knowledgeable and excited to help you graduate – so contact them to double check everything! If you have any extra concerns about your eligibility, contact your adviser.

2. Order your graduation regalia and memorabilia.

This is probably the most exciting thing on this list because it is a tangible representation that graduation is fast-approaching! Visit the WU Bookstore to order memorabilia, and complete the Graduation Order and Attendance form to reserve your spot at Commencement and place your cap and gown order.

3. Undergraduates - schedule a senior exit interview.

This is a time for seniors to reflect on their experiences at Waynesburg and speak with a University representative about their future plans! Graduating seniors can provide feedback and schedule group or individual meeting times by completing the Graduation Interview survey here.

4. Don't forget your tickets!

All graduates, family and friends are welcome to attend the Commencement ceremony when held outside, but in the case of inclement weather, graduates attending the ceremony will receive two electronic tickets via email for the indoor ceremony. Don’t forget to have these tickets on hand in case of an inclement weather call! And don’t worry – even if the ceremony is moved inside, there are various viewing sites on campus for all guests. Graduates and their families are also invited to celebrate at the Graduate’s Luncheon on the day of Commencement. Tickets for this luncheon can be purchased here.

5. Connect with Alumni Relations!

Follow Waynesburg University Alumni on social media and stay connected with all things Waynesburg after you graduate. Visit Waynesburg United for more information.

Jenny JellisonAssociate Professor of Psychology

For almost 13 years, Jenny has taught classes and advised psychology majors in what she describes as her "dream job." Her office can be found in 225 Buhl Hall, where she surrounds herself with things that make her smile, including graduation photos of some of her closest past students.

What’s your favorite fun fact about WU?

That we were one of the first colleges to have ever offered degrees to women. I’m very proud to work at a university with that kind of history.

What’s your favorite annual event?

I don’t know if this counts, but I love meeting the new freshmen on the Friday before classes start. Each of them is a potentially awesome new person that I could have in my life for at least the next 4yrs. My students make my job the joy that it is – they make me laugh every single day, they share their stories with me, and they challenge me. So, the new students to me are like new books I can’t wait to read. Plus, I assume they are nervous and overwhelmed by this new, big step, so I love making them smile and (hopefully) breathe a little easier.

What’s your most memorable WU moment?

When we became a university! I still have the t-shirt we got, and I remember gathering EVERYONE all around the front of Stover and taking the big, overhead picture. It was exciting to be a part of something so historical.

What makes WU a special place to work?

The love and respect we have for each other. Even when we don’t agree with each other, we are loving and respectful. Other workplaces – even other universities – have politics and backstabbing and people who treat each other badly. I can’t imagine how toxic that would be; WU has spoiled me. Here, we pray for each other and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. I feel supported. I also love that a large part of my job performance assessment is based on how well I serve the students. That was something I wanted in a full-time job from the beginning. At bigger universities, professors are often more concerned with getting published, and undergrads get shoved off to the side. Our students are the most important people on this campus, so I appreciate being at a university that agrees with me on that.

What do you consider the most special or unique part of your job?

I get to tell people all about the stuff I’m interested in, and they have to listen! Also, I literally shape lives. I get to help young people find their way in life, discover their strengths, and realize their passions. I think people sometimes underestimate how unfinished young adults are – they’re still so scared, insecure, and (sometimes) lost. I love being one of the people in their lives who calms them down, lifts them up, and helps them figure it all out.

For more information on the Psychology program at Waynesburg University, click here!